Our Country Day 4th of July Celebration

Keystone Heights features fun for the whole family at our 55th Annual Our Country Day Independence Day Celebration!

This year’s July 4th celebration focuses on the birth of our great nation and the establishment of the City of Keystone Heights.  Generations of Floridians have raised their children here as well as the many who moved here after discovering our city nestled in beautiful Northeast Florida.  We hope you will join us in our celebration at one of the region's longest running Independence Day traditions!

Our Country Day Event Lineup

8 AM: Keystone Heights Freedom 5K 

Walk or jog through the winding streets and neighborhoods of downtown Keystone Heights with us starting at 8 AM for the annual Freedom 5K. This event helps raise funds for scholarships for Keystone Heights High School seniors through the Jordan Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund.

To register for the 5K Run/Walk, click here.

11 AM: Our Country Day Parade (presented by Lake Region Kiwanis)

One of our most popular annual festivities, you'll want to be along the Lawrence Blvd. parade route an hour early to snag the best seats in town. The annual parade is proudly the largest in Clay County, and among the biggest in the region, featuring a variety of patriotic floats, hometown organizations, and military vehicles.

To register your float, click here.

9 AM-4 PM: Vendors, Food Trucks, and Events at City Hall

Before and following the parade, the City hosts multiple events on the grounds at and around City Hall. Below are the events, times, and additional details.

9 AM: Food Trucks and Vendors open (located north and south of City Hall)

20+ local vendors

Food Trucks include: Blue Line Q, Classic Twist, Kona Ice, Flavaz on the Move, and Destiny Fish

12:15 PM: Johnny's BBQ Hot Dog Eating Contest (located at Rotary Circle east of City Hall)

Up to 15 competitors

To sign up for this free event, come to our table at the Rotary Circle immediately following the parade

All participants receive a Johnny's BBQ T-Shirt

1st Place receives a $50 Johnny's Gift Card and their name on the Johnny's Hot Dog Eating Contest Wall of Fame

12:45 PM: Pie & Cobbler Contest presented by the KH Heritage Commission (located at Rotary Circle east of City Hall)

Unlimited competitors

Fruit pies and fruit cobblers only

To sign up for this free event, email dmurphyrealtor460@gmail.com your name and what type of fruit pie or cobbler you'll be bringing.

Judged by members of the Heritage Commission

12:30-3:30 PM: Dunk Tank presented by Melissa Pellerito (located south of City Hall)

Dunk a deputy, a city councilmember, and a local to help raise money for our annual fireworks celebration!

$1 per throw

12-4 PM: Classic Car Show presented by Hoodz of Gainesville (located across the street from City Hall at natural park)

Winning vehicle receives $100, Second place receives $50, Third place receives $25

5-10 PM: Concert & Fireworks at Keystone Beach

Live music begins at 5 PM down at Keystone Beach featuring the “Dewey Via Band”, a Southern Rock crowd favorite at this year's Clay Day celebration in Tallahassee.

If attending with children, we strongly recommend arriving by 8 PM to guarantee a spot. Fireworks at Keystone Beach Park start at 9:30pm, weather and burn ban permitting.  Fireworks will be accompanied by patriotic music. The event will also have Food Trucks in the Keystone Beach parking lot, including Blue Line Q, BJ's Weiners and Pepperoni Balls, and more.

Entry into the park will require each spectator to have an armband.  They will cost $1 and can be bought at City Hall prior to the 4th of July or $2 at the gate.

For more information, email assistant@keystoneheights.us or call (352)473-4807